When parents approach the possibility of ending an adoptive placement there is often a great deal of guilt and blame, not only from the adoptive family toward themselves, but also potentially from outside sources. We have found that families facing dissolution need support and understanding from others. It is not productive to blame either the adoptive family or the adoptive child. ABI works hard to support all members of the family in a dissolution/disruption and families will be met with compassion and support for their choices. Families will be encouraged to seek out additional support services and individuals. An adoption dissolution/disruption can create a great deal of strain on a marriage as well as other children in the home. ABI will be able to provide resources and advice to help adoptive families support each other during this difficult time. It is important for each adoptive parent to remember that pointing fingers of blame at each other or even themselves is counter productive.

Families typically progress through various stages of grief as they explore the possibility of dissolving an adoption.

Process for Dissolution/Disruption
ABI begins the process of dissolution by conducting an Initial Intake Consultation to determine the needs and desires of both the adoptive family and child. This is essentially a fact finding mission to determine if ABI believes we can further assist. (The first step in assisting with a disruption is to determine the legal status of the child.)

Upon Initial Acceptance, the adoptive family will be sent an Assessment Kit, comprised of paperwork to be completed and returned as soon as possible to ABI. When the Assessment Kit is returned ABI will complete a more in depth analysis of the specific situation and begin helping the family with a Dissolution plan and time table. On occasion, respite care or foster care may be needed, particularly if the adoptive family believes the child may be a danger to others in the home. ABI will not take the child into foster care, but can assist with identifying resources for this service.

Once a child is formally accepted as a candidate for ABI services and the adoptive family agrees with the plan, ABI utilizes our large network to assist in identifying an alternative placement for the child. Occasionally, a family can be found quite quickly and other times, it can take a much longer time, largely depending upon the age of the child to be matched with a new family and the particular needs of that child, as well as any restrictions placed upon the potential match by the original adoptive family.

After a suitable match has been found and agreed upon by the adoptive family a transition plan is implemented. Based on the specific situation, the transition can move very quickly or it may take several weeks. ABI will work with the appropriate governmental or court authorities to gain agreement for any child to be moved across state lines and will assist with identifying necessary legal resources.

Please download, complete, and return our Mending Hearts Initial Inquiry form, and then contact Erica at our main office by email. You will be contacted in two to three business days. Due to the nature of the program and high volume of inquiries and families in crisis MAJORITY OF COORESPOINDENCE WILL BE VIA EMAIL. At this time we are not able to take calls unless scheduled in advance. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.